Newtown woman wants rid of insulation 'nightmare'
A woman has claimed a government-funded scheme to fit cavity wall insulation has left parts of her home uninhabitable and caused health problems.
Successive Welsh governments introduced a scheme that saw millions of homes in Wales having the insulation installed.
However in recent years thousand of complaints have been made over claims the insulation has led to damp, mould and condensation.
June Thomas, 79, who lives in Tregynon near Newtown, claims that is the case in her home.
Back in 2006, she had the cavity wall insulation installed thanks to the scheme.
However she says that over recent years major damp has caused some parts of her property to become uninhabitable.
She said she has even seen animals such as mice and frogs in part of the house.
She said: "This was all installed for free back in around 2006, and it has been a nightmare.
"There is damp everywhere all over the walls, I have had to stay in some parts of the house and not others.
"I am furious and I want someone to come and remove it.
"I have had builders out to look at it, and they have said this house was never suitable for it in the first place.
"My doctor has said it needs to be removed because of the respiratory problems it has caused me, and I just don't know what to do anymore.
"I have contacted Russell George, the assembly member a few years ago, and he has looked into it.
"I have had baby frogs in part of the house, one was even in the toilet.
"I just don't know what to do anymore, I just lie awake for worry."
Mrs Thomas is not the only person in Wales who has had problems.
'Scandal'
Only last year, Arfon MP Hywel Williams described the situation as a government scandal.
He called on the UK Government to take responsibility.
Mr George, Montgomeryshire's AM said: "This was a government-supported scheme and the government is responsible.
"Reports have shown that some properties were not suitable for it to be installed."
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Cavity Wall Insulation is an option for installation under the Welsh Government Warm Homes Programme.
"An independent whole house assessment survey is undertaken to determine the most appropriate measures.
"We also ensure the current programme delivers consumer protection and meets the highest professional standards of workmanship through the guarantee scheme and introduction of independent Quality Assurance and Audit.
"We are aware of a small number of complaints relating to Welsh Government-funded schemes, however the majority of complaints in Wales relate to energy supplier schemes.
"In October last year, we strengthened the building regulation requirements for competent person schemes responsible for cavity wall insulation in Wales to reduce unsuitable installations and identify bad practice."
